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59 pages 1 hour read

Rutger Bregman

Humankind: A Hopeful History

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2019

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Index of Terms

Altruism

Altruism, or selfless concern for others, isn’t merely an occasional outlier in human behavior, contends Rutger Bregman; rather, it’s embedded in human DNA. Throughout the book, he marshals an array of evidence—ranging from historical narratives to scientific inquiries—to dispute the prevailing cynical views about human conduct. In essence, altruism serves as Bregman’s riposte to entrenched social, philosophical, and scientific beliefs that consider humans inherently self-interested.

Hobbesian View

Originating from the work of the philosopher Thomas Hobbes, this perspective argues that humans are essentially selfish and warlike, requiring a strong hand of governance to maintain social harmony. But Bregman is not convinced. Throughout the book, he accumulates evidence suggesting that people are more naturally inclined to engage in cooperation and live without aggression. Understanding this Hobbesian backdrop is important for grasping the popular narrative that Bregman works to debunk.

Homo Puppy

This term, coined by Bregman, suggests that humans, much like domesticated dogs, are wired for friendliness and sociability. This model contrasts with the more traditionally accepted “survival of the fittest” models of human development. Bregman employs this term to put forth an optimistic view of human nature.

Homo Ludens

Translated from Latin as “Man the Player,” this term emphasizes the importance of play, creativity, and cooperation in human culture and society. Bregman uses it to champion a more optimistic view of human capabilities, challenging deterministic or pessimistic views of human nature.

Realistic Utopianism

Rather than an unattainable pipe dream, Bregman’s concept of “realistic utopianism” is rooted in pragmatic optimism. It’s about harnessing a more favorable view of human nature to drive sweeping changes in societal systems—from economics to the criminal justice landscape. This concept serves as the philosophical mortar that binds the arguments throughout Humankind and Bregman’s other writings.

Social Capital

Social capital isn’t just a buzzword; for Bregman, it’s the social glue comprising networks, shared norms, and mutual trust that fortifies communities and promotes better societal outcomes. Grasping this concept is crucial when considering Bregman’s broader arguments for restructuring societal institutions to encourage cooperative behavior and collective trust.

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By Rutger Bregman